When you want to install
a new Windows Server Domain Controller into an existing domain, the
Active Directory and SYSVOL data are replicated from the existing
Domain Controller that is in the domain to the new Domain
Controller. If there is a large amount of data to be replicated or
if the connection between the Domain Controllers is slow or
intermittent, the replication time can be lengthy. The Active
Directory Application Mode replication time is also affected by the
amount of data to be replicated and the connection speed. To
decrease the replication time for Active Directory and Active
Directory Application Mode, you can use the Install from Media
feature.

For Active Directory, you
can use the Install from Media feature to perform a System State
backup of an existing Domain Controller in the domain in which you
want to add a new Domain Controller. Then, you can perform a
redirected restore of the data from the System State backup to the
target Domain Controller.

For Active Directory
Application Mode, you can back up data using the ADAM Writer. Then,
you can perform a redirected restore of the data from the ADAM
backup to the target system.

To install Active Directory using the Install from
Media feature

Perform a standard System
State backup of an active Windows Server Domain Controller that is
in the target domain.

Transport the tape to the
location of the system that will be installed into the target
Domain.

The tape is not encrypted
or protected. Symantec recommends that you encrypt the tape. Use
caution when transporting it to the location of the target
domain.

Inventory the drive where
the tape is loaded.

Catalog the tape.

Perform a redirected
restore of the System State backup to a temporary location on a
volume or directory on the target system. On the Properties pane,
under Destination, click File
Redirection. And then select redirection options.